The Rural Math Innovation Network (RMIN) is expanding and we are looking for innovative teachers and administrators with a passion for mathematics to join us!
What is RMIN?
Currently, RMIN includes Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 teachers from the rural regions of Southwest and Southside Virginia. These teachers collaborate in a virtual, peer-to-peer network to improve students’ mathematical motivation by incorporating such strategies as growth-mindset, self-efficacy, and real-world connections.
What is RMIN Expansion?
The RMIN expansion will expand on current work and enable more innovative Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1 teachers and administrators to join with the goal of improving mathematics education. We anticipate forming a teacher group and an administrator group that will be operated BY participants, FOR participants. Within these groups, teachers and administrators will engage in peer-to-peer collaboration to identify and solve their OWN problems of practice in an effort to improve mathematics instruction.
What are the Benefits of Joining the RMIN Expansion?
Educational professionals have a great deal of responsibility and may be hesitant to add to their workload. Participation in this virtual network will ease workloads by allowing participants to solve problems of practice and by facilitating improvements in the following key areas:
Connectedness: The RMIN expansion will improve connectedness through use of virtual, peer-to-peer collaboration. Rural Virginia mathematics educators often experience feelings of isolation and many times are the only educators in their building teaching a specific course. Participants in this network expansion will be connected with peers statewide to receive support in navigating problems of practice. The inclusion of administrators in this expansion network will help strengthen connectedness among math teachers, principals, and superintendents.
Practice: The RMIN expansion will improve practice by offering peer support as participants fine-tune instruction through incorporating new, innovative techniques to better meet students’ learning needs. When faced with common problems, participants will access a group of peers to collaborate and uncover best practices. The inclusion of administrators in this expanded network will allow principals and superintendents to better understand mathematical challenges, allowing them to provide improved support as teachers work to enhance instruction.
Academic Rigor: The RMIN expansion will improve academic rigor by enabling participants to collaboratively identify and solve problems of practice. Having access to peers across Virginia will allow participants to improve rigor by expanding their teaching toolkits to include new innovative mathematical practices and resources. The inclusion of administrators in this expansion network will allow principals and superintendents to better support mathematics teachers as they incorporate these innovative mathematical practices in classrooms.
How Can You Learn More?
If you are a Pre-Algebra or Algebra 1 teacher or an administrator interested in learning more about the RMIN expansion and continuing efforts to improve rural mathematics education, please join one of our introductory webinars. We’ll be discussing the background of RMIN, its accomplishments, and our goals for the network expansion.
Webinar Info:
We’re offering a webinar at 10 AM on May 6th and at 3 PM on May 14th. Pre-register here.
For more information, contact: Sandy Wilborn, Director of Programs at Virginia Ed Strategies, via sandy@vaedstrategies.org
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